Newport Beach seeks public input on bike plan

After a series of community surveys, events and workshops, the comment period for a draft of the Newport Beach Bicycle Master Plan is set to close.

The public has until 5 p.m. Wednesday to submit feedback on the 223-page document, which provides a comprehensive look at how biking in town might be improved.

“Newport Beach is a great place to ride a bicycle,” the city website says. “The weather is mild and our bikeways offer some of the most beautiful views in Orange County. So why aren’t more residents riding bikes for recreation and for everyday trips?”

Among other topics, the plan addresses bikeway locations and design, bike parking and traffic enforcement.

It includes more than 100 proposed facility improvements and more than 30 educational and encouragement programs, said Brad Sommers, project manager.

Comments about the draft can be submitted to Sommers at Bsommers@newportbeachca.gov.

Comments will be compiled and presented along with an updated draft at the next meeting of the Bicycle Master Plan Oversight Committee, at 5 p.m. Sept. 2 in the Newport Beach Civic Center community room, Sommers said. Additional public comments can be made at that meeting.

— Emily Foxhall

Twitter: @emfoxhall